The European Commission is exploring the removal of the SCIP database—part of its wider initiative to simplify environmental legislation—potentially easing reporting requirements for businesses across the chemicals and manufacturing value chains. A proposal is expected in the fourth quarter of 2025, and stakeholders have until 10 September to submit feedback.
The SCIP database, mandated under the Waste Framework Directive, requires suppliers to notify the presence of substances of very high concern (SVHCs) in articles. This initiative, currently in its "Call for Evidence" stage, is a strategic attempt to reduce administrative burdens without diluting the environmental objectives of EU law.
Why the SCIP Database Faces Reform
The Commission's simplification agenda aims to cut red tape by at least 25% across all businesses and 35% for SMEs. Initial feedback from companies—especially SMEs—highlighted duplication with REACH obligations, data redundancy, and high resource demands as major issues.
The database’s potential discontinuation is part of a broader legislative push to improve efficiency across environmental policies, including circular economy reporting, extended producer responsibility (EPR), and industrial emissions.
According to DG Environment, over 300 stakeholders provided input via surveys and workshops, with many urging digitalisation and harmonisation across Member States to improve permitting and reporting systems.
Impacts on Chemical Compliance and Industry
For chemical manufacturers, importers, and downstream users, removal of the SCIP database could reduce compliance complexity and associated costs. However, the Commission must ensure that any replacement mechanism maintains transparency and traceability of SVHCs in supply chains.
Public administrations may also benefit from reduced administrative loads, enabling more efficient enforcement. Yet environmental and consumer organisations are expected to scrutinise the impact on public right-to-know and safety assurances.
Stakeholders across sectors—including automotive, electronics, textiles, and packaging—are encouraged to participate in the feedback process, given the widespread use of regulated substances in multi-material products.
Next Steps and How to Engage
The proposal is part of the Commission’s 2024–2029 regulatory simplification drive, tied to the Competitiveness Compass initiative. The feedback window remains open until midnight (Brussels time) on 10 September 2025 via the EU’s “Have Your Say” portal.
